Giving To The Lunalilo Scholarship Program

Become a part of the Lunalilo Scholarship Program Transformation

$1 Million Challenge Grant

For Lunalilo Scholarships At Kapi‘olani Community College

The University of Hawai‘i Foundation is excited to announce that philanthropists Lester and Marian Kaneta have pledged $1 million for a challenge grant to help raise funds to sustain the Lunalilo Scholars Program at Kapi‘olani Community College, and double the number of students enrolled in this successful program. The Lunalilo Scholars Program at Kapi‘olani Community College uniquely serves and supports financially at-risk students.

Kapi‘olani Community College Chancellor Leon Richards said, “As a key educational institution for Hawai‘i, Kapi‘olani CC is constantly striving to increase student success, not just in terms of achieving a degree. Students come from all walks of life, with many real challenges they must overcome. We seek creative ways to engage, excite and motivate students to reach for their dreams. That’s where our special donors Marian and Lester Kaneta come in. With their support, we launched a scholarship program unlike any other. Now with their Challenge Grant, we can support more students and their families in their efforts to improve their lives.”

The scholarship program was launched in 2012 when the school partnered with the Kanetas to start a scholarship program. Modeled after a similar pioneering community college program, the Lunalilo Scholars' success outcomes are impressive to both educators and donors alike.

“It has been incredible to watch the students gain confidence, taking pride in their ability to succeed on and off campus, and truly changing the trajectory of their lives! When they begin to feel hopeful, they begin to realize they can break the poverty cycle and give back to their community,” said Lester and Marian Kaneta. ”The success rates for these students are outstanding. We are excited to see what happens in the next five years as the program grows through expanded private support and accepts more students. We can’t do this alone and need partners!”

The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation has granted $90,000 to fund scholarships for students who have completed their first year in the Lunalilo Scholars Program at Kapi‘olani Community College. Their goal is to encourage students to participate in the peer mentor component of the program, and nurture the cycle of learning and giving back.

University of Hawai‘i Foundation President and CEO Donna Vuchinich shared why this program and matching gift opportunity is important. “Donors like the Kanetas and The Clarence T.C. Ching Foundation play a key role in eliminating the educational inequality that exists across our state by bringing programs and support services to our most vulnerable students who want to create a better life for themselves and their families.” Vuchinich continued, “These programs eliminate the barriers to higher education, and help the University of Hawai‘i create a more educated citizenship. This is a critical component to ensuring a healthy Hawai‘i now and in the future.” Vuchinich concluded.

Donations

Donations of all amounts are directed towards helping students within the Lunalilo Scholarship Program gain access to higher education. Listed below is a breakdown of how various donation amounts are used in aiding our students.

Full Participation

$6,000 will fund one student’s participation in the Lunalilo Scholarship Program

Tuition and Enrollment

$4,000 will cover tuition and fees for a single student within the program

Wraparound Services

$2,000 will provide a student with books, supplies, laptop and transportation

University of Hawai‘i System Vice President for Community Colleges, John Morton

"Some people dream of going to college but do not believe they ever will. The perceived barrier might be financial or self-confidence or even just knowing how to start. Programs like the Lunalilo Scholars and the support of private donors like the Kanetas break down that first barrier and open up higher education to these students. Given this opportunity and the right support system, the students do very well and their dreams become their realities.”

University of Hawai‘i Foundation President and CEO Donna Vuchinich

“We want to partner with donors to eliminate the educational inequality that exists across our state by bringing value-added programs and support services to our most vulnerable students who want to create a better life for themselves and their families.” Vuchinich continued, “These programs eliminate the barriers to higher education, and help the University of Hawai‘i create a more educated citizenship. This is a critical component to ensuring a healthy Hawai‘i now and in the future. Making an investment in education is the best investment one can make. Please join us, and make a difference.”

Kapiolani Community College

KCC is the largest of seven community colleges in the University of Hawai'i Community College (UHCC) system. KCC aims to increase the educational capital of the state by increasing the participation and degree completion of students, particularly from underserved regions and with limited economic resources. The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation (UHF) was established in 1955 to encourage private support for the University of Hawaiʻi. Its mission unites donors' passions with the University of Hawaiʻi's aspirations by raising philanthropic support and managing private investments to benefit UH, the people of Hawaiʻi and our future generations.

In May 2012, KCC and local philanthropists Marian and Lester Kaneta (Kaneta Foundation) created the King William Charles Lunalilo Scholars Project (Lunalilo Project) with a common mission to support the poor and needy through compassion and education.